Northern Nevada’s annual Barks and Badges event returns Sunday, August 2, from 10 AM to 2 PM at a new home, Rancho San Rafael in Reno.
Admission is free, and a Reno Police Department K9 team will take part for the first time in the event’s history.
The gathering, hosted by the nonprofit Canine Partners, previously took place at Bartley Ranch.
Canine Partners president Diana Lee said the move was made to accommodate the event’s growth, reports KOLO 8 News Now.
Until this year, only Washoe County Sheriff’s Office canine units participated.
Lee said Canine Partners expanded its support to Reno Police Department dogs within the past month after meetings with lieutenants and sergeants from both agencies.
Reno Police has five canine units plus a canine companion named Winter, and Canine Partners currently supports 11 dogs.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Locke called the formal partnership a natural next step, noting the two agencies’ dog teams have long worked together.
One important note for dog owners: personal pets are not allowed at the event. Organizers instead ask attendees to bring a can of dog food to donate to nonprofits in need.
Planned activities include canine demonstrations by handlers and their dogs, a children’s area with games and coloring activities, food trucks, and community vendors.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office mounted unit, SWAT team, bomb squad, and RAVEN helicopter are also expected to attend.
Visitors will get a rare chance to pet working dogs, something handlers say is usually off limits while the teams are on duty.
Deputy Kevin Carlton reminded attendees to always ask a handler before approaching any dog.
Merchandise sales at the event, including mugs and T-shirts featuring the names and paw prints of Washoe County and Reno Police dogs, will support the nonprofit’s mission.
Proceeds fund training, equipment, and safety gear such as bulletproof vests, goggles, helicopter hoist equipment, and cooling systems for patrol vehicles.
Lee said equipping a single police dog costs between $27,000 and $37,000. The event has been held since 2017, and parking will be available on site with staff guiding attendees on arrival.
Full event details are on our calendar listing for Barks and Badges.
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